Two swine flu deaths in N.B.

New Brunswick has had two deaths connected to the swine flu virus, health officials announced Friday.

The two victims are both men one in his early 60s, the other in his 70s, said Dr. Eilish Cleary, the provincial chief medical officer of health.

Testing confirmed the men had the swine flu virus, and both had an underlying condition that increased their risk of complications, she said.

"Our great sympathies go out to the individuals' families for their loss," Health Minister Mary Schryer stated in a news release.

"These deaths associated with H1N1 virus highlight just how important it is for all of us to be vigilant and protect ourselves and others."

The Department of Health had always anticipated more severe cases involving hospitalization and even death as the regular flu season continued, said Cleary.

She urged New Brunswickers to protect themselves and those around them by washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into their sleeve, keeping common surfaces clean, staying at home if sick, and getting the vaccine in priority order.